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Biological and physical processes

All continuing activities, functions, and phenomena associated with organisms and non-living matter.

Subtopics:
Atmospheric and climatic processes (166 items)
Ecological processes (100 items)
Fires (24 items)
Geologic processes (314 items)
Geochemical processes (17 items)
Ocean processes (43 items)
Coastal processes (32 items)
Estuarine processes (2 items)
Physiological processes (8 items)
Hydrologic processes (250 items)
Evolution (1 items)
Impact cratering (1 items)

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Results 1 - 280 of 741 listed alphabetically [list by similarity]

100-Year flood - It's all about chance [More info]: Explains the concept, probabilistic nature, and inherent uncertainties of the 100-year flood to those who are unfamiliar with this concept.
30 cool facts about Mount St. Helens [More info]: Poster commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens, a volcano in southwestern Washington state. Facts provided in plain text as well.
30 day animations of US daily streamflow maps [More info]: Animated WaterWatch streamflow maps showing daily highs and lows.
A Climate Trend Analysis of Burkina Faso [More info]: Summer rains have remained steady over the past 20 years, but are less than historic highs. Temperature has increased, and while the farmland per person is decreasing, population growth has been offset with improved yields.
A Climate Trend Analysis of Niger [More info]: While summer rains have increased during the past 20 years, temperatures have increased as well, amplifying the effects of droughts. Crop yields are low but the population is growing, pointing to rising food insecurity.
A Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake in the Tacoma Fault Zone-A Plausible Scenario for the Southern Puget Sound Region, Washington [More info]: Scientific description of the likely effects of a significant earthquake on this densely populated area.
A climate trend analysis of Chad [More info]: Long-term reduction in rainfall and increasing temperature threaten Chad's future food production prospects; combined with rapid population growth and zones of substantial conflict, increasing numbers of people will be at risk.
A climate trend analysis of Ethiopia [More info]: Recent trends in March-June, June-September, and March-September rainfall and temperature, identifying significant reductions in rainfall and increases in temperature over time in this area.
A climate trend analysis of Kenya-August 2010 [More info]: Crop areas in west central Kenya are affected by decline in rainfall over several decades; the effects may be exacerbated by overall warming in the region
A climate trend analysis of Mali [More info]: Summer rains have remained steady for the past 20 years, but are below the long-term average. Current population and agricultural trends indicate increasing yields have offset population expansion, keeping per capita cereal production steady.
A climate trend analysis of Senegal [More info]: Modest declines in rainfall, accompanied by increases in air temperatures, declining farmland per person, along with trends in population and agriculture could lead to a 30% reduction in per capita cereal production by 2025.
A climate trend analysis of Sudan [More info]: The data shown here depict drying trends in one of the world's most food insecure regions. Decreasing rainfall since 1980 accompanied increases in air temperature greater than global warming.
A climate trend analysis of Uganda [More info]: Long-term reduction in rainfall and increasing temperature threaten Uganda's future food production prospects; combined with rapid population growth these factors could increase the number of people who are at risk during the next 20 years.
A dryland river transformed--the Little Colorado, 1936-2010 [More info]: We mapped substantial migration of the river channel between the City of Winslow and the Navajo Nation community of Leupp; in a human lifetime the river has moved more than a mile across its valley floor.
A science strategy to support management decisions related to hypoxia in the northern Gulf Of Mexico and excess nutrients in the Mississippi River Basin [More info]: The report describes a strategy for monitoring, modeling, and research activities to support management decisions to improve water-quality conditions in the Mississippi River Basin, reduce hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and improve conditions for
A spatial analysis of cultural ecosystem service valuation by regional stakeholders in Florida: a coastal application of the social values for ecosystem services (SolVES) tool [More info]: Research project to close gaps in our knowledge about the attitudes and perceptions, or nonmonetary values, held by coastal residents for ecosystem services, particularly for cultural services.
A volcano rekindled; the renewed eruption of Mount St. Helens, 2004-2006 [More info]
A westward extension of the tropical Pacific warm pool leads to March through June drying in Kenya and Ethiopia [More info]: Analysis of sea-surface temperature in the Indian Ocean shows that warming correlates with east African rainfall; the effect on atmospheric convection and precipitation over the Indian Ocean is greater than that associated with El Niño (ENSO).
ANSS - Advanced National Seismic System [More info]: Nationa network of seismic monitoring stations coordinated with a variety of regional organizations and academic institutions.
Access USGS - San Francisco Bay and Delta [More info]: Main page for accessing links for information and data on the San Francisco Bay estuary and its watershed with links to highlights, water, biology, wetlands, hazards, digital maps, geologic mapping, winds, bathymetry and overview of the Bay.
Acid Rain in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia [More info]: Explains acidity and acid rain and how it affects aquatic organisms. Describes the effect of acid rain on this national park, identifying areas that are at greater or lesser risk from acid rain.
Acid rain and our Nation's Capital [More info]: Describes noticeable effects of acid rain on the building stones and monuments in Washington, DC.
Acid rain effects on Adirondack streams - results from the 2003-05 western Adirondack stream survey (the WASS Project) [More info]: Acidified soils caused toxic aluminum in 66 percent of 565 assessed streams. Diatoms and aquatic macroinvertebrates were moderately to severely affected. These effects have not improved in areas surveyed in the early 1980s
Acute toxicity database [More info]: The following database summarizes the results from aquatic acute toxicity tests conducted by the USGS CERC located in Columbia, Missouri.
Advanced National Seismic System (seismic network) [More info]: A program of studies with instruments to provide accurate and timely data and information on seismic events, including their effects on buildings and structures, employing modern monitoring methods and technologies.
Advanced National Seismic System: Products and services [More info]: Maps, data, and services provided to help people understand earthquakes that have occurred.
Airborne Volcanic Ash - A Global Threat to Aviation [More info]: Explains the problem, describes procedures used to cope with it, ways of monitoring and detecting hazardous conditions, and warning systems currently available to help mitigate the dangers.
Alaska Volcano Observatory [More info]: Homepage for Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) with offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks monitors and studies Alaska's hazardous volcanoes. Links to featured news, updates, publications and products, and a volcano atlas for Alaska.
Alaska volcanoes guidebook for teachers [More info]: The lessons and activities in this guidebook are meant to supplement and enhance existing science content already being taught to Alaskan students in grade levels 6-12.
Albuquerque Seismological Lab [More info]: The USGS Seismological Laboratory in Albuquerque installs and maintains a world network of seismograph stations, collects the seismic data, and evaluates seismic instruments. Site includes links to ASL publications, earthquake maps and seismic data.
Algal toxins [More info]: Chapter of Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases on algal toxins, red tide toxins, phycotoxins, dinoflagellates, cyanobacterium, and bird mortality due to algal toxicosis.
Amargosa Desert research site [More info]: Online reports, site description and photographs of the Amargosa Desert research site monitoring low level radioactive waste.
America's volcanic past - volcanic highlights and features [More info]: Links to volcanism, volcanic history, volcanic rocks, and general geology by state, by region, national parks and national monuments and a brief introduction to volcanism around the U.S. entitled: Windows into the past.
An Overview of Historical Channel Adjustment and Selected Hydraulic Values in the Lower Sabine and Lower Brazos River Basins, Texas and Louisiana [More info]: How has the channel shape and path changed in response to reservoirs and other human disturbances affecting the streamflow?
An overview of coastal land loss with emphasis on the southeastern United States [More info]: Comprehensive background information on coastal land loss, discussing the influence of waves and storms, the intrinsic characteristics of the shoreline materials, and the role of human activities.
Annual hydrologic data report of Pennsylvania [More info]: Online annual reports (since 1999) documenting hydrologic data for Pennsylvania gathered from USGS surface water and ground water data-collection networks and information on ordering paper copies of previous years.
Annual peak streamflow and ancillary data for small watersheds in central and western Texas [More info]: Estimates of annual peak-streamflow frequency are needed for flood-plain management, assessment of flood risk, and design of structures, such as roads, bridges, culverts, dams, and levees.
Application of the SPARROW watershed model to describe nutrient sources and transport in the Missouri River Basin [More info]: Maps and diagrams showing how the mathematical model predicts the distribution of various pollutants within a large watershed.
Assessing carbon stocks, carbon sequestration, and greenhouse-gas fluxes in ecosystems of the United States under present conditions and future scenarios [More info]: Congress asked us (in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007) to figure out how to assess the effects of carbon storage, sequestration, and greenhouse gas fluxes in our ecosystems. Here's how we plan to do that.
Assessing the Vulnerability of Public-Supply Wells to Contamination: Central Valley Aquifer System near Modesto, California [More info]: Using ground-water geochemical analyses, and mathematical models, the factors affecting the quality of public water supply were identified as pumping schedule, screened interval, past land use within the recharge area, and natural geochemical conditions.
Assessing the Vulnerability of Public-Supply Wells to Contamination: Floridan Aquifer System Near Tampa, Florida [More info]: Using ground-water geochemical analyses and mathematical models, the factors affecting the quality of public water supply were identified as mixing of very recent recharge with older water, karst features, natural geochemical processes, and pumping.
Assessing the impacts of climate variability and change on the Nation's resources [More info]: Site for a USGS project under the U.S. Global Change Research Program for a national assessment of the impacts of climate variability and change on resources with links to impacts in Alaska, western U.S., public lands, and water resources.
Assessing the vulnerability of public-supply wells to contamination: Rio Grande aquifer system in Albuquerque, New Mexico [More info]: Explains the natural and human-affected factors that determine the concentration of contaminants in groundwater, especially where the concentration is different at the surface than at depth, and where pumping varies with time.
Assessment of Moderate- and High-Temperature Geothermal Resources of the United States [More info]: The electric power generation potential from identified geothermal systems is 9,057 Megawattselectric (MWe), distributed over 13 states. Undiscovered resources are estimated to provide an additional 30,033 MWe.
Assessment of potential coastal impacts: Hurricane Rita [More info]: Areas susceptible to inundation during landfall of Hurricane Rita are assessed by comparing lidar-derived dune elevations to simulated storm surge values. Results shown on pictorial maps.
Atchafalaya & Mississippi River Deltas study: a tale of two deltas [More info]: Project of the Gulf of Mexico Integrated Science program that evaluates the transport and sedimentation of contaminates through the Mississippi River and Atchafalaya River delta to the near-shore Gulf of Mexico. Includes aerial photographs.
Atlantic margin offshore sediments: cooperative database and GIS development website [More info]: This site is designed to provide information on federal interagency and cooperative developments related to coastal sand and gravel resources and management issues along the Atlantic continental margin.
Atlas of the spawning and nursery areas of Great Lakes fishes [More info]: Atlas recording spawning and nursery areas of fish in the Great Lakes and associated rivers listed by area and then by species. A 14-volume atlas in PDF format. Published in 1982 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Atmospheric Deposition Program of the U.S. Geological Survey [More info]: Document on the federally supported interagency National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP) covering research on causes and effects of acid precipitation with the USGS as the lead agency for monitoring wet acid deposition.
Avian conservation in the Prairie Pothole Region, Northern Great Plains-Understanding the links between climate, ecosystem processes, wetland management, and bird communities [More info]: Small wetlands in this large area have hosted migratory birds for a long time, but with changes in agricultural practice and regional climate those habitats may not remain hospitable to the wild populations.
BRASS: Bedrock Regional Aquifer Systematics Study [More info]: Description of the project to publish new bedrock geologic maps in the United States to advance the understanding of the region's bedrock aquifers. Includes list of projects.
Bats and wind energy-A literature synthesis and annotated bibliography [More info]: A literature synthesis and annotated bibliography focus on North America and on refereed journals. Additional references include a selection of citations on bat ecology, international research on bats and wind energy, and unpublished reports.
Bedrock geology of the Yosemite Valley area Yosemite National Park, California [More info]: Site explains the general bedrock geology of the Yosemite Valley area.
Beyond the Golden Gate--oceanography, geology, biology, and environmental issues in the Gulf of the Farallones [More info]: A geologic and oceanographic study of the waters and Continental Shelf of Gulf of the Farallones adjacent to the San Francisco Bay region. The results of the study provide a scientific basis to evaluate and monitor human impact on the marine environment.
Bibliography of fire effects and related literature applicable to the ecosystems and species of Wisconsin [More info]: The bibliography provides citations pertinent to the effects of fire and its prescribed use on the ecosystems and species of Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. Three separate subject indexes are provided: general, species, and geographic location.
Biochar for soil fertility and natural carbon sequestration [More info]: Explains what biochar is and how it is formed, its potential use in both fertilizer and carbon sequestration, and some of the research questions remaining to be addressed before we can utilize it fully in practical ways.
Biocomplexity Thesaurus [More info]: Browsable online access to the CSA/NBII Biocomplexity Thesaurus developed in 2002-2003 through a partnership between the NBII and CSA as a merger of five thesauri.
Biological resource status and trends: Climate change [More info]: Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on climate change
Biological resource status and trends: Extreme events and disturbances [More info]: Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on extreme events and disturbances
Biological resource status and trends: Fire [More info]: Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on fire
Biological soil crusts [More info]: Explains biological soil crusts, organism-produced soil formations commonly found in semiarid and arid environments, with special reference to their biological composition, physical characteristics, and ecological significance.
Biological soil crusts: webs of life in the desert [More info]: Fact sheet on the need to protect biological soil crusts in the desert. These crusts are most of the soil surface in deserts not covered by green plants and are inhabited by cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) and other organisms useful to the ecosystem.
Biomarker Benchmarks: Reproductive and Endocrine Biomarkers in Largemouth Bass and Common Carp from United States Waters [More info]: Describes a national reconnaissance study of reproductive health in two species of fish across the US. More than 2,200 common carp and 650 largemouth bass were collected at 119 rivers and streams.
Biosolids, Animal Manure, and Earthworms: Is There a Connection? [More info]: Research findings and examples of application to real problems--how household contaminants accumulate in and effect the environment
Boiling water at Hot Creek - The dangerous and dynamic thermal springs in California's Long Valley Caldera [More info]: Explains how these hot surface waters form, why their temperature changes often, and provides safety guidance for visiting this area.
Borehole geophysics as applied to geohydrology [More info]: Project summary, photos of logging truck, and bibliographies on log interpretation techniques and instrumentation to record geophysical data in wells and test holes for studying ground water hydraulics and evaluate waste disposal sites.
Born of fire: restoring sagebrush steppe [More info]: USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center: fact sheet in Adobe PDF about the studies to restore sagebrush steppe
Boston Harbor Studies: the fate of sediments and contaminants in Massachusetts Bay [More info]: Boston Harbor/Massachusetts Bay Studies research project conducted as part of Boston Harbor cleanup to predict the fate of contaminants and sediments introduced to Massachusetts' coastal waters from sources that include Boston sewage outfall.
Boston Harbor ecosystems [More info]: This web site is an outgrowth of an agreement between the USGS and the New England Aquarium, designed to summarize and make available results of scientific research. It will also present educational material of interest to wide audiences.
Bryophytes and lichens, small but indispensable forest dwellers [More info]: Description of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) and lichens (dual organisms of a fungus and an alga or a cyanobacterium) that are part of forest ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest with information on habitat and conservation.
Buck Island Reef National Monument Sea Turtle Research Program: Sea turtle nesting research & monitoring protocols manual [More info]: Manual for research program on the nesting habits of sea turtles of the Virgin Islands, with descriptions of species, nesting behavior, observation methods, record keeping, tagging, and tissue sample collection. (PDF file, 121 pp.)
Calculating weighted estimates of peak streamflow statistics [More info]: A method of improving our estimates of statistics used to describe flood frequency, taking into account information obtained from the stream whose flood frequency is being investigated.
Canoeing North Dakota rivers [More info]: Links to streamflow, stage, pictures, maps, river descriptions, and general information for canoeing on North Dakota's rivers. Files are in PDF format.
Carbon Sequestration to Mitigate Climate Change [More info]: Explains the process of carbon sequestration through oceanic, terrestrial, and geologic (underground) mechanisms, with some background information on why this is important.
Carbon dioxide and helium discharge from Mammoth Mountain, Long Valley caldera, California [More info]: An explanation of toxic carbon dioxide emissions at Mammoth Mountain in Long Valley caldera, and a description of magmatic helium discharge at the Mammoth Mountain fumarole with photos, maps, and links to other studies.
Cascades Volcano Observatory [More info]: Portal to information provided by the Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, WA with links to reports and activity in the Cascade Range and other volcanoes and multiple links to general information on volcanology, reports, research, and maps.
Cascades Volcano Observatory - Learn about volcanoes [More info]: Educational volcano site providing answers to frequently asked volcano questions with links to other general information on volcanoes and to information on specific volcanoes including the Cascade Range volcanoes.
Cascades Volcano Observatory - Mount St. Helens real-time hydrologic monitoring [More info]: Real-time and historic data from gaging stations for water and mudflow detection in the Mount St. Helens, WA vicinity with data tables and plots, interactive location map and station descriptions.
Cascades Volcano Observatory educational outreach: Available videos [More info]: Description of videos on Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and Mt. Hood, with information on obtaining copies.
Cascadia subduction zone: two contrasting models of lithospheric structure [More info]: Summary of an investigation of the Cascadia subduction zone with detailed density-modeling experiments of the crust and mantle along two transects across Vancouver Island and the Canadian margin and the other on the margin of central Oregon.
Central California /San Francisco Bay Earthquake Hazards Project [More info]: Information on earthquakes in central California and the San Francisco region with links to four types of field studies, deep seismic investigations, geotechnical investigations, shallow seismic imaging, and airborne geophysical surveys.
Central Region [More info]: Entry to USGS Central Region programs with links to Biological Resources, Geology, National Mapping, Water Resources, Office of Central Region Services, emergency information, and records of a Rockies field trip, and clickable map to state programs.
Changing Arctic Ecosystems-Measuring and forecasting the response of Alaska's terrestrial ecosystem to a warming climate [More info]: Combining genetic data with current and predicted climate scenarios, we are modeling the predicted future distributions of wildlife populations in the Arctic and identifying key environmental variables that determine important animal habitat.
Characterization of Fish Creek, Teton County, Wyoming, 2004-08 [More info]: Preliminary results of hydrologic and biological sampling confirm anecdotal reports that this stream shows unusually high algal growth due to elevated nutrients, probably from groundwater.
Classification of natural ponds and lakes in the glaciated prairie region [More info]: Presents a wetland classification system that reflects seasonal, regional, and local variations in the environment.
Climate Change and Wildlife Health: Direct and Indirect Effects [More info]: Addresses geographic range and distribution of wildlife diseases, plant and animal phenology, wildlife host-pathogen interactions, and disease patterns in wildlife.
Climate Variability and Change [More info]: This fact sheet focuses on climate variability and change and how USGS research can strengthen the Nation with information needed to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Climate and land use change [More info]: Research that helps the Nation understand these global changes and their impacts on society, resource availability, and economic development.
Climate change in mountain ecosystems [More info]: Overview of interdisciplinary research studies in Glacier National Park to understand how this mountain wilderness responds to present climatic variability and other external stressors, such as air pollution, and links to detailed reports.
Climate of North Dakota: blizzards [More info]: Reviews the causes and frequency of blizzards in North Dakota.
Climate of North Dakota: severe storms [More info]: Reviews frequency and distribution of tornadoes, windstorms, and hailstorms in North Dakota.
Climate-Driven Ocean Changes Affect Estuaries [More info]: Research findings and examples of application to real problems--Pacific Ocean cooling triggers phytoplankton blooms in San Francisco Bay.
Coal-tar-based pavement sealcoat, polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and environmental health [More info]: Pavement sealant contains chemicals that are known carcinogens, which get into nearby homes, lakes, and the air. Sealants based on coal tar release more dangerous chemicals than those based on asphalt.
Coastal Change During Hurricane Dennis 2005 [More info]: Summary of study to document the impact of Hurricane Dennis on Santa Rosa Island, in the Florida Panhandle.
Coastal Change During Hurricane Isabel 2003 [More info]: Summary of study to document the impact of Hurricane Isabel in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, near Cape Hatteras. Methods included pre- and post-storm photography, videography, and lidar.
Coastal and Marine Geology Program [More info]: Home page for Coastal and Marine Geology with links to topics of interest (sea level change, erosion, corals, pollution, sonar mapping, and others), Sound Waves monthly newsletter, field centers, regions of interest, and subject search system.
Coastal and Marine Geology Program interactive map server [More info]: Interactive map server to view and create maps using available coastal and marine geology data sets of offshore and coastal U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico. Links to available data and metadata that can be downloaded.
Coastal change during Hurricane Ivan 2004 [More info]: Summary of study to document the impact of Hurricane Ivan on the Gulf coast of Alabama near the Florida border.
Coastal change hazards digital library [More info]: Online catalog of reports and data on coastal change hazards, indexed by author, agency, project, location, feature type, and topic
Coastal ocean modeling at the USGS Woods Hole Field Center [More info]: Fly-by and circulation movies, effluent concentration, tidal flushing, sea level, and temperature in Massachusetts Bay and Boston Harbor
Coastal storms and tsunamis [More info]: USGS responses to and studies of the hazards and impact of major hurricanes, tsunamis, and El Nino storms. Includes links to oblique aerial photography and LIDAR surveys recording coastal changes and other effects of storms and waves.
Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) [More info]: A mechanism to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of CWPPRA projects employing a multiple reference approach by using aspects of hydrogeomorphic functional assessments and probabilistic sampling.
Columbia Environmental Research Center [More info]: Website for the Columbia Environmental Research Center with links to staff, publications, databases, field stations, and projects including those on the Rio Grande, burrowing owls, sea turtles, and geospatial technology.
Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) Ecology Branch [More info]: Overview of research of the Ecology Branch on the ecological consequences of habitat degradation due to altered environment, nonindigenous species, and atmospheric alterations. Includes links to staff and research projects.
Community model for coastal sediment transport [More info]: Description of the National Community Sediment-Transport Model (NCSTM), an open source numerical model for sediment transport in coastal regions.
Connectivity of tropical marine ecosystems--An overview of interdisciplinary research to understand biodiversity and trophic relationships in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico [More info]: Describes research to assess the effectiveness of the current system and distribution of marine reserves and protected areas in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico for conserving reef ecosystems and resources.
Construction and installation of dendrometer bands for periodic tree-growth measurements [More info]: Use and function of dendrometer bands to make short-term repeated measurements of tree-stem growth. Photo illustrations of procedures and equipment.
Contamination in Fractured Rock Aquifers [More info]: Overview of fractured rock research aimed at understanding the movement of water through fracture networks, and characterize field conditions influencing contaminant migration. Includes programs and publications.
Continental shelf GIS for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary [More info]: Interactive maps of the continental shelf of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with GIS layers for sediment data, bathymetry, geology, bathymetry, sonar imagery, and tectonics.
Coral mortality and African dust [More info]: Report with mini-movie and photos on the hypothesis that the atmospheric transport of dust arising from the desertification in northern Africa led to algal infestation of corals, coral diseases, and the near extinction of associated sea urchins.
Costly landslide events in the United States: map layer description file [More info]: GIS data set from the USGS National Landslides Hazards Program showing major landslide events in the United States and Puerto Rico with metadata. Map layer can be downloaded in shapefile format or SDTS format.
DOI Climate Science Centers--Regional science to address management priorities [More info]: Locations of USGS science centers focused on climate change, with a brief description of the scientific focus and regional partner organizations.
Danger to aircraft from volcanic eruption clouds [More info]: Explanation of problems encountered by aircraft due to volcanic emissions.
Data for giant constrictors - Biological management profiles and an establishment risk assessment for nine large species of pythons, anacondas, and the boa constrictor [More info]: Locations for nine species of large constrictors, from published sources, along with monthly precipitation and average monthly temperature for those locations. Shapefiles for each snake species studied.
Database of recent tsunami deposits [More info]: Sedimentary characteristics of 228 tsunami deposits, drawn from published accounts, for interpreting prehistorical, historical, and modern tsunami deposits, and for the development of criteria to identify tsunami deposits in the geologic record.
Debris-Flow Hazards within the Appalachian Mountains of the Eastern United States [More info]: Storms bring rains strong enough to cause rock-falls and landslides that are hazardous to people. Includes examples in the eastern US with information about the weather events that precipitated the debris flows.
Decadal-scale changes in dissolved-solids concentrations in groundwater used for public supply [More info]: Recent increases in dissolved-solids concentrations in this aquifer have been documented in some areas used for public supply, raising concerns as to the sources and causes of the higher concentrations and the long-term effects on groundwater quality.
Demonstrating usefulness of real-time monitoring at streambank wells coupled with active streamgages - Pilot studies in Wyoming, Montana, and Mississippi [More info]: To better understand the exchange of groundwater and surface water, we coupled groundwater monitoring at the stream bank with nearby gages in the stream. Describes the procedure and results from several areas.
Deserts, geology and resources [More info]: Online edition of booklet describing desert geology and mineral resources.
Detection and measurement of land subsidence using Global Positioning System surveying and interferometric synthetic aperture radar, Coachella Valley, California, 1996-2005 [More info]: Detailed measurements of elevation help to understand the extent and severity of subsidence. Study asks if subsidence indicates the aquifer system is compacting temporarily or permanently, and are the changes human-induced or tectonic.
Determinants of breeding distributions of ducks [More info]: Article from Wildlife Monographs no. 100 (1988) on the relationships of wetland habitat dynamics and life history to the breeding distributions of the various species of ducks with information on research methods and references.
Development of an assessment methodology for hydrocarbon recovery potential using carbon dioxide and associated carbon sequestration-Workshop findings [More info]: Geologic CO2 sequestration with enhanced oil recovery in existing hydrocarbon reservoirs can increase the U.S. hydrocarbon recoverable resource volume and prevent CO2 release to the atmosphere.
Development of computational fluid dynamics--habitat suitability (CFD-HSI) models to identify potential passage--Challenge zones for migratory fishes in the Penobscot River [More info]: Proposed removal of dams will change the characteristics of stream flow and will affect fish that swim upstream to spawn. A mathematical model of the river flow tells us where the likely problems will be located and how the flow will change.
Devils Hole, Nevada--A Primer [More info]: Explains the important paleoclimatic information we have obtained from this subaqueous cavern. The time-series data show important contrasts with what would be predicted from orbital theory, provoking extensive scientific discussion.
Digital library: USGS Monterey Bay science [More info]: Online catalog of scientific reports and data around and about Monterey Bay, California, indexed by author, agency, project, location, feature type, and topic
Distribution of high-temperature (>150 °C) geothermal resources in California [More info]: Description and map of geothermal resources in California.
Drilling a deep geologic test well at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina [More info]: With the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, USGS is drilling a deep geologic test well to learn about the regional Floridan aquifer, which provides groundwater to the Hilton Head area.
Drought Monitoring with VegDRI [More info]: The Vegetation Drought Response Index is a drought monitoring and mapping tool integrating satellite observations of vegetation and climate with land cover, soil characteristics, and other environmental factors.
Drought and deluge: Effects of recent climate variability on groundwater levels in eastern Arkansas [More info]: Water levels in wells completed in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer and the Sparta aquifer in eastern Arkansas respond to variability associated with annual precipitation.
Drought watch - USGS state information on drought [More info]: Map display that highlights states where the streamflow index at USGS streamgages, averaged statewide, were below normal for the past seven days with links to comparison of recent streamflow values with historic values.
Drought watch Pacific Northwest states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho [More info]: Drought water homepage with links to maps showing streamflow conditions, drought definitions, resources, publications, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Duration and current conditions graphs for selected Pennsylvania sites [More info]: Plots of streamflow averages and ground water depths for selected hydrologic sites in Pennsylvania.
Early results from the Northern Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Change and Hazard Susceptibility Project [More info]: A coordinated set of studies shows development of coastal features, aspects of marine water quality, and impacts of hurricanes along this section of important coastline.
Earth Surface Processes [More info]: Homepage for Earth Surface Processes Team with research studies in two general categories: climate change and geologic mapping. Links to research activities, available data sets, workshop, and programs.
Earth science photographic archive [More info]: Photographic archive collection from the USGS Photo Library. Photos dated 1868-1992 are of geology, earthquake damage, national parks, pioneer photographers, St. Helens eruption and mining and available at 100, 700 and 1400 dots/inch resolution.
Earth tides and volcano monitoring [More info]: Article in the May 28, 1998 issue of Volcano Watch describing of correlation of earth tides to volcanic eruptions and value in monitoring underground magma movement with deformation measurement instruments including tiltmeters and strainmeters.
Earthquake "Top 10" Lists & Maps [More info]: Lists of largest earthquakes in the world and in the United States, earthquake facts and statistics, deaths from earthquakes, earthquakes by magnitude, and significant earthquakes.
Earthquake Geology and Paleoseismology [More info]: Geological effects of earthquakes on the crust and landscape, with studies of prehistoric earthquake activity using geological evidence.
Earthquake Hazards 101 [More info]: Provides links to explanatory materials for the layperson, including information on concepts behind earthquake maps, the use of probability, what the maps mean, how they are made, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Earthquake Hazards Program [More info]: Information on earthquake activity, earthquake science, and earthquake hazard reduction with links to news reports, products and services, educational resources for teachers, glossary, and current U.S. earthquake activity map.
Earthquake Hazards Program - Central and Eastern U.S. [More info]: Information on earthquakes in central and eastern United States with links to earthquake monitoring, published products, recent earthquake information, discussion group, and current projects.
Earthquake Hazards Program external research support [More info]: Abstracts, program announcements and descriptions of projects funded by the external research program.
Earthquake Products & Publications [More info]: Long list of online fact sheets, publications, and maps relevant to earthquake studies.
Earthquake and fault data for Google Earth [More info]: Downloadable data for earthquakes and faults for use with the Google Earth software
Earthquake glossary [More info]: Dictionary of terms associated with earthquakes with simple definitions and photographs especially suited for students.
Earthquake hazard in the New Madrid seismic zone remains a concern [More info]: GPS measurements made since 1996 seem to show this earthquake-prone area slowing down. Is it time to relax? Scientists who studied these data in detail say no, and this fact sheet explains why.
Earthquake hazard maps [More info]: National seismic hazards maps, global seismic hazards map, predictive intensity maps, shaking hazards maps and probabilities for California, and a variety of fact sheets on earthquakes.
Earthquake hazards software for download [More info]: Numerous downloadable software packages for carrying out analyses, modeling, and ancillary calculations in earthquake research and monitoring.
Earthquake information by topic [More info]: Information on earthquakes by topic including faults, tsunami, seismic waves, and plate tectonics.
Earthquake notification services [More info]: Sign up for USGS real-time earthquake notification services.
Earthquake preparedness information [More info]: Links to web sites, publications, and fact sheets on earthquake preparedness.
Earthquake science explained--a series of ten short articles for students, teachers, and families [More info]: Collects a series of short articles on earthquake science and related topics for students, teachers, and parents originally published as weekly features in The San Francisco Chronicle.
Earthquake search [More info]: Search interface allowing searches of earthquake databases by various parameters including date, depth, intensity, area, and magnitude and download data in a variety of formats.
Earthquake: Did you feel it? Report it here. [More info]: Place to provide information about ground shaking associated with significant earthquakes. A questionnaire to let us know what you felt following an earthquake in the United States or in other countries.
Earthquakes [More info]: Online booklet on earthquake history, earthquake occurrences, measuring earthquakes, causes, relationship of volcanoes and earthquakes and earthquake prediction.
Earthquakes and tsunamis in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands [More info]: Fact sheet on hazards from earthquakes and tsunamis in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to be downloaded as a PDF file or viewed as an Adobe Acrobat Reader file.
Earthquakes for kids [More info]: Links to various earthquake projects, facts, science fair ideas, earthquake science, becoming an earthquake scientist, image glossary, earthquake facts, and puzzles and games for children.
Earthquakes in Hawaii -- an underappreciated but serious hazard [More info]: Shows where earthquakes occur here, the type of damage that has occurred, and the information that USGS provides to help people anticipate and understand this hazard.
Earthquakes in the central United States, 1699-2010 [More info]: Poster includes GIS data for earthquake locations in this seismically active area.
Earthquakes pose a serious hazard in Afghanistan [More info]: Structural features in eastern Afghanistan accompany seismicity data showing this area is subject to considerable risk of earthquakes.
Earthquakes: Frequently Asked Questions [More info]: Answers to a wide variety of questions (FAQs) about earthquakes, such as dictionary of terms, earthquake activity and probabilities, common myths, faults, plate tectonics, and earthquake measurement techniques.
Education resources for paleontology [More info]: Contacts and other sources of information for teachers, students, and others interested in paleontology with links to related USGS websites and on-line publications.
Edwards Aquifer online resources [More info]: Recharge and discharge summaries and other data, aeromagnetic survey map, and publications on Edwards Aquifer, Texas.
Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Groundwater Resources of the United States [More info]: How climate change affects ground water is more complex than surface water because the residence time of ground water can range from days to tens of thousands of years. Discusses some broad climatic processes may affect groundwater resources.
Effects of Ocean Acidification and Sea-Level Rise on Coral Reefs [More info]: By measuring the current and historical growth rates of coral skeletons, and using field experiments, we intend to find out whether rising atmospheric CO2 and rising sea levels will cause coral reefs to erode and cease to function.
Effects of brush management on the hydrologic budget and water quality in and adjacent to Honey Creek State Natural Area, Comal County, Texas, 2001--10 [More info]: Comparison of water in two adjacent watersheds before and after implementing a brush management strategy in one of the watersheds helps us see what water resource characteristics are sensitive to brush management and how.
Effects of climate change and land use on water resources in the Upper Colorado River Basin [More info]: Information from climate model forecasts, projections of future flows, paleoclimatic indicators, timing of snowmelt, airborne dust, and the effects on vegetation of troublesome pest species indicate the nature and severity of problems looming.
Effects of urban stormwater-management strategies on stream-water quantity and quality [More info]: Changes in the way communities address potential problems with stormwater runoff may affect surface waters. This study combines geographic with hydrologic analyses to better understand the effects of the management strategies.
Emissions from Coal Fires and Their Impact on the Environment [More info]: Reviews how coal fires occur, how they can be detected by airborne and remote surveys, and, most importantly, the impact coal-fire emissions may have on the environment and human health, especially mercury, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane.
Encounters of aircraft with volcanic ash clouds; A compilation of known incidents, 1953-2009 [More info]: Of 129 reported incidents, 94 are confirmed ash encounters, 79 of which entailed airframe or engine damage; 20 are low-severity events involving suspected ash or gas clouds; for 15 the data are insufficient to assess severity.
End-of-month hydrologic condition reports for New York State [More info]: Site to locate most recent or archive reports for end-of-the-month hydrologic conditions with descriptions, data, charts, and maps giving an overview of water conditions during the month for the state of New York.
Endocrine Disruption Found in Fish Exposed to Municipal Wastewater [More info]: Research findings and examples of application to real problems--cause and potential effects of wastewater on fish in streams is explored.
Enhancement of USGS scientific investigations in Texas by using geophysical techniques, 2005-10 [More info]: Annotated bibliography describing the use of electromagnetic surveying to understand the characteristics of aquifers and how they work.
Epic Flooding in Georgia, 2009 [More info]: In September of 2009, flooding in parts of Georgia reached levels expected every 500 years. Specific measurements we made and other facts about these disasters described here should help people prepare for floods here and elsewhere.
Erosion in the Rio Puerco: geography and processes [More info]: Paper on the accelerated erosion of the Rio Puerco, a tributary of the Rio Grande in New Mexico, which has deepened and widened its channel, or arroyo, since the settlement of the region.
Erosion of a sea stack over 100 years [More info]: Series of photographs showing the demise of Jump-off Joe, a sea stack at Nye Beach, Newport, Oregon from 1890 as a result of erosion.
Eruption warning and real-time notifications [More info]: Describes strategy of volcano warnings and the real-time detection of a sudden eruption or lahar and immediate notification of the activity to the public and local, state, and federal emergency-management officials.
Eruptions from the Inyo chain about 600 years ago: sequence of events and effects in the Long Valley Area [More info]: Describes the volcanic activity that occurred along the southern part of the Mono-Inyo Craters volcanic chain in California about 600 years ago.
Eruptions in the Cascade Range during the past 4,000 years [More info]: Chart showing 13 volcanoes on a map of Washington, Oregon, and northern California, along with time lines for each volcano showing the ages of their eruptions.
Eruptions of Hawaiian volcanoes - past, present, and future [More info]: Originally published in 1987, this general-interest booklet has been revised in anticipation of the Centennial of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) in January 2012.
Eruptions of Lassen Peak, California, 1914 to 1917 [More info]: Summary of the most recent eruption of Lassen Peak, Cascades (1914-1917)
Eruptions of Mount St. Helens: past, present, future [More info]: Online booklet on the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, past history, and future hazards.
Evaluating the variability of sediment and nutrient loading from riverine systems into Texas estuaries and bays [More info]: Some results from a study of the variability of sediment and nutrient loads in the lower reaches of the Trinity River during a variety of hydrologic conditions.
Evaluation of Structural Best Management Practices for Highway Runoff in Beaufort and Colleton Counties, South Carolina, 2005-2006 [More info]: Summarizes the ability of four devices to remove suspended sediment, metals, nutrients, and organics compounds in stormwater runoff.
Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN) for support of biological and ecological assessments [More info]: Integrated network of real-time water-level monitoring, ground-elevation modeling, and water-surface modeling that provides scientists and managers with current on-line water-depth information for the entire freshwater portion of the Greater Everglades.
Evidence of multidecadal climate variability in the Gulf of Mexico [More info]: Direct measurement of an important indicator of interannual variability is extended, using geological proxy measures, farther back in time to well before modern measurements were made. This tells us about the history of climate variability.
Evolution of 3-D geologic framework modeling and its application to groundwater flow studies [More info]: Methods to depict the connectedness of rock units across fault and fracture zones, allowing us to determine the distribution of geologic units, structural features, and other controlling factors, such as porosity and permeability.
Executive summary, workshop: seismic and tsunami hazard in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands [More info]: Summary of workshop with links to reports that are recommendations for future projects.
Extent of Pleistocene lakes in the western Great Basin [More info]: Map of Pleistocene pluvial lakes in the western Great Basin (Nevada, eastern California, southern Oregon). Includes metadata, online PDF map view, and downloadable ArcInfo export files, ArcView shapefiles, and TIFF files.
Extreme drought to extreme floods: summary of hydrologic conditions in Georgia, 2009 [More info]: Discusses the nature and extent of extreme hydrologic events, with supporting observations of the water conditions and their effects on human activities.
FAQs - National Seismic Hazard Maps [More info]: Provides detailed technical information on earthquake hazards in the form of frequently asked questions. Designed for the technical audience, including building and safety planners.
Facing the great disaster: How the men and women of the U.S. Geological Survey responded to the 1906 "San Francisco Earthquake" [More info]: After the powerful earthquake of April 18, 1906, staff of the U.S. Geological Survey stationed in Sacramento and Berkeley brought help to the residents of devastated San Francisco, documented the effects of the quake, and investigated its causes.
Fault and fold database of the United States [More info]: Online database of faults and associated folds in the United States that are believed to be sources of significant earthquakes during the last 1.6 million years.
Field guide to amphibian larvae and eggs of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa [More info]: Field guide to identify amphibian species from the larvae and eggs. Available to download in Adobe PDF or UMESC format.
Field reconnaissance report of landslides triggered by the January 12, 2010, Haiti earthquake [More info]: Preliminary aerial helicopter reconnaissance of areas affected by landslides and ground inspections at some accessible landslide sites.
Field techniques for estimating water fluxes between surface water and ground water [More info]: A guide to measuring the flow of water across the ground water surface water interface, with an overview of available methods and details of specific methods to use.
Fifty-Year Record of Glacier Change Reveals Shifting Climate in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, USA [More info]: Accelerating loss of mass, weakening correlation with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and increasing mass turnover likely are the result of changes to warmer and drier climate conditions that are affecting three well-studied glaciers.
Fire ecology research [More info]: Study of wildland fire history and fire ecology such as plants in the Sierra Nevada forests, California shrublands, the Mojave, and Sonoran deserts to develop management techniques that will reduce hazards.
Fish passage through dams in large temperate floodplain rivers: an annotated bibliography [More info]: Report describes an electronic database of annotated citations relevant to fish passage through dams. Document may be searched using the search form or downloaded as an Endnote, Microsoft Word, or WordPerfect
Flagstaff Field Center [More info]: Homepage for the Flagstaff Field center with links to space science, water and ice studies, earth sciences, biological resources, Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, outreach & education, data and software, and images.
Flood frequency [More info]: Links to Office of Surface Water memos, reference publications, training guides, and software for computing flood frequency.
Flood inundation map library, Fort Kent, Maine [More info]: Severe flooding occurred in northern Maine from April 28 to May 1, 2008, and damage was extensive in the town. Aroostook County was declared a Federal disaster area. Our flood inundation maps were out of date, so we have updated them; this explains how.
Flood of April and May 2008 in Northern Maine [More info]: Characteristics and effects of a flood in this area.
Floods of May 2006 and April 2007 in Southern Maine [More info]: Characteristics and consequences of some extreme storm events
Fluvial geomorphology studies in Kansas [More info]: Report of completed studies that have investigated the response of river and stream channels in Kansas to a variety of human-caused and natural disturbances.
Flying by Night: USGS Scientists Put Technology to Work on Bats [More info]: Short description of techniques used to monitor migration patterns and behavior of bats in New Mexico.
Forecasting California's earthquakes - What can we expect in the next 30 years? [More info]: Shows how we know severe earthquakes will occur and where.
Forecasting the effects of land-use and climate change on wildlife communities and habitats in the lower Mississippi Valley [More info]: Describes the analytical process by which spatial scientific information contributes to forecasts and models in support of regional and local decision-making.
Fort Collins Science Center [More info]: Homepage of the Fort Collins Science Center in Colorado with links to programs in ecological research programs, staff directory, products library, news and events, and research features and spotlights.
Fragile environments: San Francisco Bay wetlands [More info]: Overview with links to studies on the effects of human activity on the San Francisco estuary with loss of historic fresh and saltwater tidal marshes reducing habitats, introducing contaminants in waste, and creating dredging problems.
Framework for Assessing the Sustainability of Monitored Natural Attenuation [More info]: Research findings and examples of application to real problems--When can natural processes to reduce, or even destroy, contaminants at toxic waste sites be relied on?
Framework for a U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Climate-Response Program in Maine [More info]: Discussion of the scientific measurements needed to understand the effects of climate change on the seasonal water cycle, with emphasis on Maine.
From ridge to reef--linking erosion and changing watersheds to impacts on the coral reef ecosystems of Hawai‘i and the Pacific Ocean [More info]: Explains how land processes on hills near the shoreline affect the health of coral reefs.
Full Equations (FEQ) Model web resources [More info]: Links to model documentation, search engine, and help for (FEQ) Full Equations (a computer model for one-dimensional unsteady flow in open channels and through control structures), and the Full Equations Utilities package (FEQUTL).
Gas hydrate studies: a part of the Geophysics Group [More info]: Brief overview of gas hydrates and current research. Site also contains links to related USGS research and publications and web sites of other groups participating in gas hydrate research.
General Earthquake Observation System (GEOS) [More info]: Earthquake and aftershock data collected by the USGS General Earthquake Observation System project in Menlo Park, California.
Genetics and molecular tools [More info]: Describes the value of molecular biology genetic tools in enhancing the delineation of the genetic diversity and the effects of environmental degradation on living species. Links to research, which differentiated two species of sage-grouse.
Geochemistry and tracer studies [More info]: Overview of chemical analyses, tracer studies, gas geochemistry, stable isotopes analyses, organic chemistry, and thermometry capabilities at major USGS laboratories with links to technique, equipment, and contacts for each procedure.
Geochemistry of the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer [More info]: Describes the geographic extent, quality, origin, and dynamic character of this aquifer located in south central Oklahoma.
Geographic Analysis and Monitoring Program [More info]: Geographic Analysis and Monitoring Program (GAM) conducts studies about land surface change, environmental and human health, fire and urban ecology, and natural hazards to help decision-makers in land-use planning and land management.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Missouri [More info]: Website with links to USGS hydrologic, geohydrologic, soil, and geologic projects in Missouri using geographic information systems (GIS) technology with digital datasets of images, models, and maps produced by the projects to view.
Geologic framework and process of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin [More info]: Field methods, topics of investigation, shoreline changes, publications, and satellite imagery related to geologic and hydrologic processes affecting Lake Pontchartrain and adjacent lakes which form a large estuary in the Gulf Coast region.
Geologic hazards at volcanoes [More info]: Poster diagram showing the various hazards that accompany volcanic activity as they relate to the structure of the volcano.
Geologic hazards team [More info]: An organizational unit within USGS that studies earthquakes, landslides, and geomagnetism. Contact information and descriptions of current research projects.
Geologic hazards: landslide images [More info]: Photographs of examples of landslides viewable online as 100-200kb or 800 x 600kb images.
Geologic history of Cape Cod, Massachusetts [More info]: Describes the history, geologic changes (including the glacial formation and sea level changes), and geologic mapping of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Geologic history of Long Valley Caldera and the Mono-Inyo Craters volcanic chain, California [More info]: Summarizes the geologic and volcanic activity of the Long Valley Caldera and Mono-Inyo Craters volcanic chain in east central California.
Geology of the New York City Region: A Preliminary Regional Field-Trip Guidebook [More info]: Provide basic information about the natural history and geologic features of the landscape encompassing the greater New York City metropolitan area.
Geomagnetic observatories [More info]: Map showing geomagnetic observatories, with detailed information about each one
Geomorphology and sediment transport -- river mechanics [More info]: Current river mechanics research on particle friction angles of fluvial gravels (data files compressed in BenHex, Winzip and Unix) and Grand Canyon Beach evolution (animation requiring Java 1.0) plus digital elevation files (*.hgx and *.zip files).
Geopubs: on-line geologic publications of the western United States [More info]: Access to USGS on-line geologic publications of the western United States categorized by state, region USGS series, geologic maps, and software with links to state geologic survey publications.
Geospatial Multi-Agency Coordination (GeoMAC) wildland fire perimeters, 2008 [More info]: Where the fires were, as GIS data in shapefile format, geographic coordinates, NAD83.
Geospatial Multi-Agency Coordination (GeoMAC) wildland fire support [More info]: Description of the Geospatial Multi-Agency Coordination (GeoMAC) project, online maps of current wildland fire locations using Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, and user guide on how to use mapping application.
Geothermal and hydrothermal activity [More info]: Glossary of geothermal and hydrothermal activity terms.
Geothermal industry temperature profiles from the Great Basin [More info]: Subsurface temperature, well temperature, and well data of geothermal resources in the Great Basin.
Geysers, fumaroles, and hot springs [More info]: Description of volcanic geysers, fumaroles, and hot springs.
Glacier effects of the M7.9 Denali fault earthquake of November 3, 2002 [More info]: Description and photos documenting offsets and 260 km rupture in the Denali glacier in central Alaska after the November 3, 2002 earthquake, the 9th largest earthquake in the United States in the last 200 years.
Glaciers and glaciations - ice sheets, glacial lakes, tuyas - jökulhlaups and glacial hazards [More info]: Links to background information on glaciers, glacier hazards, ice sheets and glaciations, glacial lakes, specific glaciers, terminology, bibliographies, and related useful links.
Global Change Hydrology Program (hydroclimatology) [More info]: Review of the Global Change Hydrology Program components relating to hydroclimatology and studies of the biogeochemistry of greenhouse gases with links to research activities, datasets, fact sheets, and other publications and websites.
Global Seismographic Network [More info]: Worldwide network of seismic monitoring stations coordinated by a variety of national and international organizations.
Glossary of glacier terminology: a glossary providing the vocabulary necessary to understand the modern glacier environment. [More info]: An illustrated glossary of terms relating to modern glaciers and glacial landforms based mainly on Alaskan examples.
Glossary of selected glacier and related terminology [More info]: Dictionary of terms associated with glaciology with brief definitions.
Grain size analyzer technique [More info]: Description of the technique used in particle-size analysis
Grand Canyon studies: using ocean-research techniques to study a river system [More info]: Brief review of studies with sidescan sonar on sediment in the Grand Canyon as part of research on the changes brought about by the Glen Canyon Dam and the results gathered from a 1996-controlled flood experiment with links to related information.
Great Lakes Science Center [More info]: Site for Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, which provides information about biological resources in the Great Lakes Basin. Links to personnel, publications, data, library, facilities, research vessels, Great Lakes issues, and research.
Great Lakes issues [More info]: Water resources problems of the Great Lakes including water use, bacterial contamination on beaches, status of water resources, and ground water flow.
Ground water information pages [More info]: Lead page to connect to ground water information on the Nation's ground water resources and ground water activities of the USGS. Includes links to ground-water data, news reports, publications, field techniques, models, programs, and issues.
Ground-shaking hazard from earthquakes [More info]: Postcard available for downloading and printing.
Ground-water data for the Nation [More info]: National Water Information System (NWIS) real-time data on selected ground water sites, ground water level data, site inventory of wells, test holes, drains, springs and excavations and ground water-quality data for the United States.
Ground-water flow and other computer simulations for Utah [More info]: Identifies computer models in USGS publications developed to study ground water for many areas of Utah.
Ground-water monitoring for pesticides in Wyoming [More info]: Sampling program to determine if pesticides are present in ground water, in accordance with Wyoming's Generic State Management Plan for Pesticides in Ground Water (SMP).
Ground-water recharge in the arid and semiarid southwestern United States [More info]: A systematic presentation of climatic and hydrogeologic framework of the area, regional analysis of ground-water recharge, and an overview of 8 site-specific case studies.
Groundwater Resources of Ribeira Faja Basin, Island of Sao Nicolau, Cape Verde, West Africa [More info]: Lower precipitation and recharge, with deeper groundwater levels, suggest this basin will be less susceptible to contamination than others nearby, but may be susceptible to saltwater intrusion brought on by well pumping.
Groundwater Resources of Ribeira Paul Basin, Island of Santo Antao, Cape Verde, West Africa [More info]
Groundwater recharge in Wisconsin--Annual estimates for 1970-99 using streamflow data [More info]: The groundwater component of streamflow is important because it is indicative of the sustained flow of a stream during dry periods, is often of better quality, and has a smaller range of temperatures, than surface contributions to streamflow.
Groundwater resources of Mosteiros basin, island of Fogo, Cape Verde, west Africa [More info]: Shallow groundwater has good quality, but salinity measured in wells suggests the thin lens of freshwater under the coastal plain will be vulnerable to saltwater intrusion as a consequence of pumping.
Gulf of Maine internet map [More info]: Gulf of Maine regional overview interactive map depicting research activities of the U.S. Geological Survey showing surficial sample sites, bathymetry, continental margin and coastal areas.
Gulf of Mexico Climate-History Calibration Study [More info]: Proxy methods allow us to estimate ancient ocean temperatures but only if the method is calibrated using modern samples for which we measure the temperature. This is a proxy method using a sediment trap to collect planktonic foraminifera.
Hawaii StreamStats; a web application for defining drainage-basin characteristics and estimating peak-streamflow statistics [More info]: Interactive maps providing selected analyses on areas you choose
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory [More info]: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's latest news with links to information on Kilauea, Mauna Loa, and other volcanoes, earthquakes, volcanic hazards, photo archive, and general information about the center.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) earthquakes: HVO seismic network [More info]: Description of the seismic monitoring of the active Hawaiian volcanoes with information on the network, instrumentation, and recording stations with links to related information.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory spotlight images archive [More info]: Images of Hawaiian volcanoes and the islands they've built in the past few million years, images of recent eruptions, and Hawaiian landscapes.
Hawaiian duck's future threatened by feral mallards [More info]: The greatest threat to the future of the Koloa maoli as a unique species is cross-breeding with the introduced Mallard duck. This type of threat is termed genetic extinction.
Hazards Management in Grand County, Colorado-Fire Fuels Characterization [More info]: Using land cover, vegetation, vegetation health, and other characteristics derived from remote-sensing imagery, we develop geospatial models depicting the susceptibility of this area to wildfires.
Helping safeguard Veterans Affairs' hospital buildings by advanced earthquake monitoring [More info]: We put seismic monitoring instruments into 20 VA hospital buildings, connected with computers that analyze their data to determine rapidly the structural health of the buildings in the event of earthquakes.
High Plains aquifer resources and information [More info]: Links to reports, bibliographies, and other information on the High Plains aquifer.
Historic Flooding in South Georgia, March 27-April 3, 2009 [More info]: Explains the meteorological and hydrologic conditions that led to widespread flooding in this area.
Historic flooding in northern Georgia, September 16-22, 2009 [More info]: Explains the meteorological and hydrologic conditions that led to widespread flooding in this area.
Historical changes in annual peak flows in Maine and implications for flood-frequency analyses [More info]: Annual peak flows have increased at most rivers in Maine during the last century. What effect does this have on computed peak flows, such as the 100-year flows, that are used for designing bridges and other structures?
Historical earthquakes: lists and statistics [More info]: Lists and maps of historic earthquakes by geographic area, magnitude, destructiveness, and other characteristics.
Historical streamflows of Double Mountain Fork of Brazos River and water-surface elevations of Lake Alan Henry, Garza County, Texas, water years 1962-2010 [More info]: Shows graphs illustrating available data from two surface-water monitoring stations near this reservoir supplying water for the city of Lubbock.
History and ecology of mangroves in the Dry Tortugas [More info]: Fact sheet on the historic and current conditions of mangroves of Dry Tortugas National Park, a cluster of islands and coral reefs west of Key West, Florida. Mangroves and nesting frigate bird colonies are at risk to destruction by hurricanes.
Holocene evolution of Apalachicola Bay, Florida [More info]: Geophysical surveying, combined with analysis of sediment cores and radiometric dating were used to describe the likely history of formation of this area.
Housing arrangement and location determine the likelihood of housing loss due to wildfire [More info]: Using a geographic dataset of structures, with more than 5500 structures that were destroyed or damaged by wildfire since 2001, we identified the main contributors to property loss in two extensive, fire-prone regions in southern California.
How does a U.S. Geological Survey streamgage work? [More info]: Explains how streamflow is measured, how it relates to water level, how stream discharge is measured, and how to find data on streamflow.
Hudson River salt front data [More info]: Tide stage, specific conductance, water temperature, and freshwater inflow at selected Hudson River (New York) gages updated every 4-hours to measure the effects of freshwater withdrawals and upstream movement of the salt front.
Hurricane Katrina disaster: general information and USGS response [More info]: Observations and effects of hurricane Katrina, with information about USGS monitoring and studies related to the area affected.
Hurricane Katrina photographs August 30, 2005 [More info]: Photographic survey of the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on the barrier islands, barrier shoreline, and the Mississippi River Delta along the Louisiana coastline. Primary focus is on the ecosystems such as fish, rookeries, and seagrass beds.
Hurricane and extreme storm impact studies [More info]: Homepage for programs of the Center for Coastal Geology on hurricanes and extreme storms with links to technology, related aerial photography, hurricanes, El Nino, northeasters, and specific storms.
Hurricane and extreme storm impact studies: coastal and nearshore mapping with oblique aerial video and still photography [More info]: Information on video and still photography used to supplement laser altimetry measurements of the coast. The photography is used for recognizing geomorphic and cultural features impacted by storms. Links to photo collections of hurricanes and El Nino.

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